History of Islam in New Zealand: From the First Arrivals to Today

Islam’s journey to New Zealand didn’t happen in one grand event. It wasn’t the result of a conquering army or a missionary movement. Instead, it was a quiet arrival, a gradual settling, and a steady growth. In this post, we’ll look at how Islam made its way to this far corner of the world — how it grew, how it adapted, and how it became part of New Zealand’s multicultural landscape.

Early Contacts: Sailors, Traders, and Cultural Exchange (19th Century)

Initial Encounters: The earliest documented Muslims in New Zealand arrived in the early 1800s, including sailors and traders from the Malay Archipelago, Oman, and other parts of the Muslim world. Many of these early Muslims were involved in whaling, shipping, and trade, connecting New Zealand to wider maritime networks.
Notable Figures: Among the earliest known Muslims was Abdul Rahman, who arrived on a whaling ship in the 1830s and settled in the Bay of Islands. His presence symbolized the start of a small but significant Muslim connection to the region.
Cultural Exchange: These early Muslims interacted with the Māori population and European settlers, leading to a degree of cultural exchange. In some cases, local customs and traditions were adopted, reflecting a blend of Muslim and Māori cultural practices.

Islam and the Māori People: A Story of Encounters and Connections

Early Interactions: The first Muslims to arrive in New Zealand were sailors and traders who interacted with Māori communities, particularly in coastal areas like the Bay of Islands. These encounters were often practical — involving trade, navigation, and shared maritime knowledge.
Shared Values and Respect: In some cases, Māori and Muslim communities found common ground in shared values such as hospitality, respect for elders, and community responsibility. These interactions were based on mutual respect rather than religious conversion.
Adapting to Māori Culture: Some early Muslim settlers adopted aspects of Māori customs, especially those who married into Māori families. This created a unique blend of cultural traditions where elements of Māori protocol (tikanga) were observed alongside Islamic practices.
Modern Māori-Muslim Identity: In recent decades, a small but visible number of Māori individuals have embraced Islam, finding in it a spiritual path that aligns with their values of family, community, and spirituality. For some, this journey is a personal rediscovery, while for others, it is a choice made through education and exploration.
The Māori Muslim Community Today: Māori Muslims have become an integral part of New Zealand’s diverse Muslim population. They are represented in mosques, Islamic organizations, and cultural events. Some Māori Muslims have even taken on leadership roles within the community, helping to bridge cultural understanding between Māori and non-Māori Muslims.

Community Formation: Establishing Roots (20th Century)

World War Contributions: During the First and Second World Wars, some Muslims served in the armed forces, contributing to New Zealand’s military efforts. This service fostered a sense of belonging and recognition within the broader society.
The First Islamic Society (1950): The New Zealand Muslim Association (NZMA) was established in Auckland in 1950, becoming the first formal organization for Muslims in the country. It provided a place for Muslims to gather, pray, and support one another.
The First Mosque (1979): In 1979, the Ponsonby Mosque (Al-Masjid Al-Jamie) in Auckland became New Zealand’s first dedicated mosque. It was a modest building but a milestone for the Muslim community.
The Formation of FIANZ (1979): The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) was established in the same year, providing national representation for Muslims and overseeing halal certification — an important economic connection for New Zealand’s meat industry.

Growth and Diversification: A Dynamic Community (Late 20th Century)

Migration Waves: The 1980s and 1990s saw a significant increase in Muslim immigrants, including refugees from conflict zones such as Lebanon, Somalia, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. These arrivals brought new languages, cultures, and traditions, making the Muslim community one of the most diverse in the country.
Islamic Education: Recognizing the need for religious education, Islamic schools were established. Al-Madinah School in Auckland (1992) and Zayed College for Girls (2001) became important institutions, providing a balance of secular and Islamic education.
Community Events: Muslim organizations began organizing cultural events, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha celebrations, which were open to the wider public. These events helped foster mutual understanding and showcased the cultural richness of the Muslim community.
Halal Certification and Economic Contributions: FIANZ’s halal certification became crucial for New Zealand’s meat export industry, allowing local producers to access lucrative markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Key Contributions of Muslims in New Zealand

Economic Prosperity: Halal certification has made New Zealand one of the largest exporters of halal meat globally. Muslim-owned businesses also contribute to the economy, offering diverse products and services.
Cultural Enrichment: Muslim festivals such as Eid al-Fitr and Islamic Heritage Month are celebrated openly, promoting cultural exchange. Muslim artists, writers, and musicians add to New Zealand’s creative landscape.
Education: Islamic schools like Al-Madinah School and Zayed College for Girls provide both secular and Islamic education, supporting academic excellence and cultural identity.
Humanitarian Initiatives: Muslim organizations regularly engage in charity, providing disaster relief, supporting the needy, and offering counseling services.
Social Harmony: Interfaith dialogue, open mosque days, and cultural festivals promote understanding between Muslims and other New Zealanders. Muslim leaders actively engage in community-building and peace initiatives.

The Christchurch Mosque Attacks: A Tragic Turning Point (2019)

March 15, 2019: New Zealand’s Muslim community faced an unimaginable tragedy when a white supremacist gunman attacked two mosques in Christchurch, killing 51 people.
National Shock and Solidarity: The attacks shocked the nation, but they also sparked an outpouring of support for the Muslim community. Vigils were held across the country, and thousands gathered to show solidarity.
Community Resilience: Despite the tragedy, the Muslim community emerged stronger, more united, and more visible than ever before. Interfaith dialogues, community outreach, and educational initiatives helped promote understanding.

Islam in New Zealand Today: A Diverse and Vibrant Community

Population Growth: By the 2018 Census, approximately 58,000 Muslims were identified in New Zealand, reflecting a diverse community with origins in South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Pacific Islands.
A Place for Dialogue: Mosques and Islamic centers host open days, interfaith events, and cultural festivals, inviting the wider community to learn about Islam.
Active Engagement: The Muslim community is represented in local councils, professional fields, and even in Parliament.
Cultural Enrichment and Charitable Initiatives: Muslim organizations regularly engage in charitable activities, providing social support to all communities.

Conclusion: Part of the National Fabric

The history of Islam in New Zealand is a story of gradual growth, cultural exchange, and resilience. It began with the quiet arrival of Muslim sailors and traders in the 19th century, grew with the establishment of Islamic organizations in the 20th century, and became a recognized and respected part of the national landscape in the 21st century.

From its earliest connections with Māori communities to its diverse and vibrant presence today, Islam in New Zealand is a story of adaptation, contribution, and community.

A Basic History of Islam: From the 7th Century to Today
Islam in New Zealand: A Step Behind, But Catching Up? (Part 1)
A Warning from the West: What New Zealand Can Learn from Europe (Part 2)

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About the Author

Mauao Man is a blog created by a New Zealand writer who believes in following the evidence wherever it leads. From history and religion to culture and society, Mauao Man takes a clear, critical, and honest approach — challenging ideas without attacking people. Whether exploring the history of Islam in New Zealand, the complexities of faith, or the contradictions in belief systems, this blog is about asking the hard questions and uncovering the truth.

If you value clarity over comfort and truth over tradition, you’re in the right place.

Mauao Man

Friday, May 9, 2025